Friday, April 18, 2014
Hydrox Cookies Rebranding Project
So my uncle has been taking Master's courses in Business Administration, and he and his team have been working on rebranding a snack company. Theirs is Hydrox Cookies, and he and his team asked me to design a new logo for the company as well as a t-shirt graphic. I had a lot of fun with this, and it was a great real-world experience for me.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
4/8/14 Journal
4/8/14
Today was the day for underpaintings. Most high schoolers don't understand the importance or idea of an underpainting, but I've learned that it can definitely influence a piece. Wertz and I were trying to explain that to everyone - a white background will be much less successful than a treated background, regardless of what color(s). Some used gesso, which is always a good option, but then used acrylics on top. I was impressed with where some of the kids are headed with theirs. They were able to identify which colors would serve as a good ambient layer for the rest of their paintings.
Today was the day for underpaintings. Most high schoolers don't understand the importance or idea of an underpainting, but I've learned that it can definitely influence a piece. Wertz and I were trying to explain that to everyone - a white background will be much less successful than a treated background, regardless of what color(s). Some used gesso, which is always a good option, but then used acrylics on top. I was impressed with where some of the kids are headed with theirs. They were able to identify which colors would serve as a good ambient layer for the rest of their paintings.
4/7/14 Journal
4/7/14
Today most of the kids printed out an extraction of their original paintings to begin a larger scale painting that will be more abstracted. I did this, a little bit differently, but used the projector and ink to project my abstraction onto the chip board I am using. Then I used ink to transfer the image. This should be good for the other students - watching me paint will provide them with an example of what their work might look like. Since Wertz isn't doing a demo for this project and wants everyone to do their own thing, I think it's good for them to be able to see a peer working on the same project.
Today most of the kids printed out an extraction of their original paintings to begin a larger scale painting that will be more abstracted. I did this, a little bit differently, but used the projector and ink to project my abstraction onto the chip board I am using. Then I used ink to transfer the image. This should be good for the other students - watching me paint will provide them with an example of what their work might look like. Since Wertz isn't doing a demo for this project and wants everyone to do their own thing, I think it's good for them to be able to see a peer working on the same project.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
1/30/14 Journal
1/30/14
Today, I participated in the class activity of drawn hand studies. As needed, I helped students who had questions about the materials, their compositions, etc. Together, we went from the drawn graphite studies to gesso overlay to charcoal. We plan to work in newspaper clippings as well as varnishes. This is an exercise that will help the students open up to the rest of what the class will offer.
Today, I participated in the class activity of drawn hand studies. As needed, I helped students who had questions about the materials, their compositions, etc. Together, we went from the drawn graphite studies to gesso overlay to charcoal. We plan to work in newspaper clippings as well as varnishes. This is an exercise that will help the students open up to the rest of what the class will offer.
1/31/14 Journal
1/31/14
The main focus of today was to assist the class in setting up their blogs for class. Using Blogger, they will be able to scan and post their work to be seen by others and graded by Wertz. I helped most of the students set up these webpages and showed them how to make posts for the future. I then recorded their site information for the purposes of Wertz and grading. As easy as it sounds, this is very time consuming.
The main focus of today was to assist the class in setting up their blogs for class. Using Blogger, they will be able to scan and post their work to be seen by others and graded by Wertz. I helped most of the students set up these webpages and showed them how to make posts for the future. I then recorded their site information for the purposes of Wertz and grading. As easy as it sounds, this is very time consuming.
2/4/14 Journal
2/4/14
During today's class, I met with the remainder of the students who hadn't set up their blogs yet. After helping them create Blogger accounts and showing them how to make posts, I was open to assist anyone who needed help with their current project, hand studies, in which they are adding layers of shellac. After answering any questions, I had free time to work on a painting of my own. In preparing for college, I am putting together a portfolio that will be seen by art schools that I am applying to.
During today's class, I met with the remainder of the students who hadn't set up their blogs yet. After helping them create Blogger accounts and showing them how to make posts, I was open to assist anyone who needed help with their current project, hand studies, in which they are adding layers of shellac. After answering any questions, I had free time to work on a painting of my own. In preparing for college, I am putting together a portfolio that will be seen by art schools that I am applying to.
2/5/14 Journal
2/5/14
I began a working Word document with everyone's Blogger addresses today. I checked to make sure the links were working correctly so that we can see everyone's work. I helped Wertz set up for his demo as well, and as usual went around to see if anyone needed help. As more and more adds come in, I have to keep adding blog names to the list. There must have been 5 or 6 in the past few days. I'm hoping that will stop at least.
I began a working Word document with everyone's Blogger addresses today. I checked to make sure the links were working correctly so that we can see everyone's work. I helped Wertz set up for his demo as well, and as usual went around to see if anyone needed help. As more and more adds come in, I have to keep adding blog names to the list. There must have been 5 or 6 in the past few days. I'm hoping that will stop at least.
2/6/14 Journal
2/6/14
Wertz wasn't in class today, so there wasn't much for me of the class. I just worked on the painting that I have been working on most recently. It is a painting done in acrylics on a cabinet board of me standing in a doorway looking into an empty room. The room is meant to represent a college dorm room, something that I will be moving into in the next few months. It's entitled, "White Walls," as college will be a change for me to start over, whether that be good or bad. As the surfaces that I am painting on are connecting to the work, the cabinet does as well: it was to be used in a kitchen renovation, which to me is something similar to starting over.
2/10/14 Journal
2/10/14
I helped the last of the adds set up their blogs today. The kids started a new project after finishing up with their last one. I was able to help a bunch of students with matting their work and placing it in the hallway, as well as posting photos and scans to their blogs. The underclassmen of course have iPads, which I haven't used Blogger on before. Everyone got a piece of drawing paper and some charcoal or graphite resin for geometric drawings in a subtractive capacity. Wow, it's been a while since I've done something like that: I'm used to being so independent lately. For the past two years, really, and now we're back to the basics.
I helped the last of the adds set up their blogs today. The kids started a new project after finishing up with their last one. I was able to help a bunch of students with matting their work and placing it in the hallway, as well as posting photos and scans to their blogs. The underclassmen of course have iPads, which I haven't used Blogger on before. Everyone got a piece of drawing paper and some charcoal or graphite resin for geometric drawings in a subtractive capacity. Wow, it's been a while since I've done something like that: I'm used to being so independent lately. For the past two years, really, and now we're back to the basics.
2/11/14 Journal
2/11/14
Today I participated in the class activity to demonstrate the look that we were going for in the geometric subtrction drawings. I erased out the shapes and shadows with a kneaded eraser to show form and depth. Of course, I did it hastily so that the class could see the results quickly. At the end of the class, I was able to photograph some of my artwork for my college portfolio submissions. The one that is due shortly (February 15) is for Virginia Commonwealth University. Their art school is very difficult to get in to, so I am hoping that with my experiences and talent, that I will be accepted.
Today I participated in the class activity to demonstrate the look that we were going for in the geometric subtrction drawings. I erased out the shapes and shadows with a kneaded eraser to show form and depth. Of course, I did it hastily so that the class could see the results quickly. At the end of the class, I was able to photograph some of my artwork for my college portfolio submissions. The one that is due shortly (February 15) is for Virginia Commonwealth University. Their art school is very difficult to get in to, so I am hoping that with my experiences and talent, that I will be accepted.
2/18/14 Journal
2/18/14
After a snow break, we got back into our geometric drawings today. The kneaded erasers are a really cool tool to use for subtractive drawings, and as Wertz always says, it is an art that is neglected. It doesn't take much time to subtract out a drawing, but it takes a long time to add to a white sheet of paper to make something that looks recognizable and interesting. Though it is a quick process, some of the kids are having trouble with it, and are getting frustrating with smudging and things like that. They will be alright, though, sometimes frustrating things happen in the art field.
After a snow break, we got back into our geometric drawings today. The kneaded erasers are a really cool tool to use for subtractive drawings, and as Wertz always says, it is an art that is neglected. It doesn't take much time to subtract out a drawing, but it takes a long time to add to a white sheet of paper to make something that looks recognizable and interesting. Though it is a quick process, some of the kids are having trouble with it, and are getting frustrating with smudging and things like that. They will be alright, though, sometimes frustrating things happen in the art field.
2/19/14 Journal
2/19/14
Today was the final day for the geometric subtractive drawings. I was able to help everyone finish up, varnish their work to seal it, or use spray adhesive to seal it. They have been pinned up in the hallway without mats, but some of the work looks really nice. A few of the kids really got a hang of the shading and the form of the shapes. Although students from other classes had messed with the still lives, the products are still good.
Today was the final day for the geometric subtractive drawings. I was able to help everyone finish up, varnish their work to seal it, or use spray adhesive to seal it. They have been pinned up in the hallway without mats, but some of the work looks really nice. A few of the kids really got a hang of the shading and the form of the shapes. Although students from other classes had messed with the still lives, the products are still good.
2/20/14 Journal
2/20/14
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Today, everyone began to paint geometric shapes, whereas before they were drawing them. No preliminary lines were put down on the paper for this. The students were told not to add shadows or highlights as of yet,so the 3 dimensional shapes look like flat ones. They were told to use many different sizes and placements. Tomorrow we are going to go into shading. Above is an example.
Today, everyone began to paint geometric shapes, whereas before they were drawing them. No preliminary lines were put down on the paper for this. The students were told not to add shadows or highlights as of yet,so the 3 dimensional shapes look like flat ones. They were told to use many different sizes and placements. Tomorrow we are going to go into shading. Above is an example.
2/21/14 Journal
2/21/14
Most of the kids began painting more heavily today. Rather than just flat one-toned shapes, they are adding highlights and shadows. Wertz did a lesson on this earlier in the year, and now they are using it. I am explaining tints, tones, and shades to the kids, which are things that have been burned into my brain since the start of my painting days. It's pretty easy for me to teach the kids these things because it's something that I know a ton about. So I don't really feel too nervous when they ask me painting questions. I'm experienced in that field. -
Most of the kids began painting more heavily today. Rather than just flat one-toned shapes, they are adding highlights and shadows. Wertz did a lesson on this earlier in the year, and now they are using it. I am explaining tints, tones, and shades to the kids, which are things that have been burned into my brain since the start of my painting days. It's pretty easy for me to teach the kids these things because it's something that I know a ton about. So I don't really feel too nervous when they ask me painting questions. I'm experienced in that field. -
2/24/14 Journal
2/24/14
People are at different stages right now. Most have come close to finishing painting their shapes in a 3-dimensional manner. Some are not quite that far, but some have begun painting backgrounds. It is funny for me to still be answering questions about which colors are opposites of each other or how to mix paint to make a certain color, because to me it is second nature. I know how to mix paint, I know analogous colors, I know opposing colors, and all of that, so it's easy for me. But for these kids, it isn't second nature yet, and I have to realize that. Some of them are turning a corner and becoming better and better at painting, which is nice to see.
People are at different stages right now. Most have come close to finishing painting their shapes in a 3-dimensional manner. Some are not quite that far, but some have begun painting backgrounds. It is funny for me to still be answering questions about which colors are opposites of each other or how to mix paint to make a certain color, because to me it is second nature. I know how to mix paint, I know analogous colors, I know opposing colors, and all of that, so it's easy for me. But for these kids, it isn't second nature yet, and I have to realize that. Some of them are turning a corner and becoming better and better at painting, which is nice to see.
2/25/14 Journal
2/25/14
Today was a tedious day. Everyone used tracing paper to outline the shapes of their composition so that they could transfer them onto a large scale image that they have/will print out. This way, the photos will fit right into the composition around the existing shapes. I thought this was a really clever idea that Wertz had, and it seems like it will produce awesome results. His turned out really nicely.
Today was a tedious day. Everyone used tracing paper to outline the shapes of their composition so that they could transfer them onto a large scale image that they have/will print out. This way, the photos will fit right into the composition around the existing shapes. I thought this was a really clever idea that Wertz had, and it seems like it will produce awesome results. His turned out really nicely.
2/26/14 Journal
2/26/14
Students today finished the cutting of their background imagery and glued it into place within their geometric shapes. Then they began to use acrylics to make sure that the photo and the artwork look like one. Essentially, they have to make the photo look like it belongs in the piece and make it their own. I've continued to do the project alongside the kids and I added in a Temple campus photo since I recently visited Temple for my portfolio review. The backgrounds should make the shapes appear more "lifelike" and provide a sort of narrative for the piece. It took a lot of work, but they should look great.
Students today finished the cutting of their background imagery and glued it into place within their geometric shapes. Then they began to use acrylics to make sure that the photo and the artwork look like one. Essentially, they have to make the photo look like it belongs in the piece and make it their own. I've continued to do the project alongside the kids and I added in a Temple campus photo since I recently visited Temple for my portfolio review. The backgrounds should make the shapes appear more "lifelike" and provide a sort of narrative for the piece. It took a lot of work, but they should look great.
2/27/14 Journal
2/27/14
The students continued to sort of fill in the seams of their projects today. After putting a paper overlay on their underdrawings, they are still trying to overpaint the scenes to make it look like the paper and the photograph are one. I have been doing this with my piece as well, as I added the Temple University campus to my piece and painted Temple T's on the cubes that I had painted before, effectively making it look like there are Temple T's falling from the sky onto the Temple campus. There are a million different ways to go about this project. I like seeing that some people are doing galactic scenes, some are doing cityscapes, and others are doing things totally differently.
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Here is an example.
The students continued to sort of fill in the seams of their projects today. After putting a paper overlay on their underdrawings, they are still trying to overpaint the scenes to make it look like the paper and the photograph are one. I have been doing this with my piece as well, as I added the Temple University campus to my piece and painted Temple T's on the cubes that I had painted before, effectively making it look like there are Temple T's falling from the sky onto the Temple campus. There are a million different ways to go about this project. I like seeing that some people are doing galactic scenes, some are doing cityscapes, and others are doing things totally differently.
Here is an example.
2/28/14 Journal
2/28/14
Today was critique day number one. Wertz took some of the students into the other room to talk with them about their work while I stayed in the studio to help anyone who was still working in the painting stage. I noticed a difference in the behavior of the kids when Wertz left. It was almost like they acted a little bit more rowdy than normal, but not much because I was still in the room. I don't mind the kids talking and carrying on as long as they're still getting work done, but it was just funny to see the difference between a teacher and an intern.
Today was critique day number one. Wertz took some of the students into the other room to talk with them about their work while I stayed in the studio to help anyone who was still working in the painting stage. I noticed a difference in the behavior of the kids when Wertz left. It was almost like they acted a little bit more rowdy than normal, but not much because I was still in the room. I don't mind the kids talking and carrying on as long as they're still getting work done, but it was just funny to see the difference between a teacher and an intern.
3/3/14 Journal
3/3/14
Today I ran the critique of the geometric paintings. Wertz had split the kids up into small groups and brought each of them over to the computer lab. He started out by running things and showing me how it was done (I'm no rookie to critiques,) but then left the room and had me do it on my own. I've critiqued people's work and had my work critiqued more than I care to remember, so I was okay. It's just tough to be hard on students who don't have very thick skin yet. I tried to be positive for the most part, but offer suggestions to the students as well.
Today I ran the critique of the geometric paintings. Wertz had split the kids up into small groups and brought each of them over to the computer lab. He started out by running things and showing me how it was done (I'm no rookie to critiques,) but then left the room and had me do it on my own. I've critiqued people's work and had my work critiqued more than I care to remember, so I was okay. It's just tough to be hard on students who don't have very thick skin yet. I tried to be positive for the most part, but offer suggestions to the students as well.
3/4/14 Journal
3/4/14
I spent today matting student work that was just finished. As the kids completed their "geometric movie scene" projects, they were given to me and I cut mats for them. I guess they might end up in the art show or somewhere around the school, but everyone finished up today and we'll be moving on to a new project shortly. From where these paintings started, it is pretty cool to see the end results. Wertz usually starts these projects without a clue about where they're headed, and sometimes they're a flop, but most often they turn out really nicely. As lame as drawing geometric shapes might seem, adding life to these paintings made them very interesting.
I spent today matting student work that was just finished. As the kids completed their "geometric movie scene" projects, they were given to me and I cut mats for them. I guess they might end up in the art show or somewhere around the school, but everyone finished up today and we'll be moving on to a new project shortly. From where these paintings started, it is pretty cool to see the end results. Wertz usually starts these projects without a clue about where they're headed, and sometimes they're a flop, but most often they turn out really nicely. As lame as drawing geometric shapes might seem, adding life to these paintings made them very interesting.
3/5/14 Journal
3/5/14
We spent today in the library. The kids' geometric movie scene projects have been hung or propped there for everyone to see. So we all went down to the library during the class time and walked around to see the work of our class and another, and then the kids responded to and critiqued work with Blogger and out loud. It was a relaxed and appreciative day. I was honestly impressed with how some of these projects turned out. A lot of the work was really impressive and interesting to look at.
We spent today in the library. The kids' geometric movie scene projects have been hung or propped there for everyone to see. So we all went down to the library during the class time and walked around to see the work of our class and another, and then the kids responded to and critiqued work with Blogger and out loud. It was a relaxed and appreciative day. I was honestly impressed with how some of these projects turned out. A lot of the work was really impressive and interesting to look at.
3/6/14 Journal
3/6/14
After Wertz and I discussing what we thought the next project should be for this class, we decided that a self portrait activity would be good for them. Although this is a first level drawing class, Wertz likes to keep his project a step above where the students are comfortable. So they began with small sheets of paper and graphite pencils. He is allowing the students to use photo references from their phone of recent pictures. Normally, self portraits are done using only mirrors, because the 3 dimensional shapes can be captured more easily, but using a mirror with a moving subject like the human body is difficult at first. The students are focused around what looks "real," or "good," to which Wertz reminds them that this is a drawing activity rather than a contest about which drawing looks the best.
After Wertz and I discussing what we thought the next project should be for this class, we decided that a self portrait activity would be good for them. Although this is a first level drawing class, Wertz likes to keep his project a step above where the students are comfortable. So they began with small sheets of paper and graphite pencils. He is allowing the students to use photo references from their phone of recent pictures. Normally, self portraits are done using only mirrors, because the 3 dimensional shapes can be captured more easily, but using a mirror with a moving subject like the human body is difficult at first. The students are focused around what looks "real," or "good," to which Wertz reminds them that this is a drawing activity rather than a contest about which drawing looks the best.
3/7/14 Journal
3/7/14
It was day 2 for additive self portrait drawing. After yesterday when most of the kids just gotten hard dark lines down, some of them are starting to add shading and highlights in areas that they need to. For some reason we still have this floating head effect where not too many people want to add necks or shoulders to their drawings, they only want to have faces. We see this a lot with first level drawing classes, and I don't really understand why. So Wertz began to explain anchor points and the techniques of bridge, tay and cruciform, which are compositions that have 2, 3, and 4 anchor points to make the work less of a halo.
It was day 2 for additive self portrait drawing. After yesterday when most of the kids just gotten hard dark lines down, some of them are starting to add shading and highlights in areas that they need to. For some reason we still have this floating head effect where not too many people want to add necks or shoulders to their drawings, they only want to have faces. We see this a lot with first level drawing classes, and I don't really understand why. So Wertz began to explain anchor points and the techniques of bridge, tay and cruciform, which are compositions that have 2, 3, and 4 anchor points to make the work less of a halo.
3/10/14 Journal
3/10/14
Wertz pulled a curveball on everyone and went around dumping graphite resin onto their papers. After the initial all-out chaos of everyone freaking out and being upset, He explained that everyone would be doing a subtractive drawing similar to the ones that they had done earlier in the semester. They got to work, but there were comments throughout the whole class period about how this sucked and no one wanted to do it. He has to make them uncomfortable somehow, and he did a good job of doing that today, even though all of the kids hated him for it.
Wertz pulled a curveball on everyone and went around dumping graphite resin onto their papers. After the initial all-out chaos of everyone freaking out and being upset, He explained that everyone would be doing a subtractive drawing similar to the ones that they had done earlier in the semester. They got to work, but there were comments throughout the whole class period about how this sucked and no one wanted to do it. He has to make them uncomfortable somehow, and he did a good job of doing that today, even though all of the kids hated him for it.
3/11/14 Journal
3/11/14
Today was the last day for subtractive self portraiture. Some of the results are great. Over top of their additive drawings, the students were given graphite resin to begin subtractive drawings with kneaded erasers. This produces interesting results. The students continue to use images from their phones as reference, which is normally frowned upon, but some of the more daring ones have started to use mirrors. This is encouraging, considering that any student who continues with other art classes or goes to school for art will be laughed at and discredited for using a photo reference for a self portrait rather than a mirror.
Today was the last day for subtractive self portraiture. Some of the results are great. Over top of their additive drawings, the students were given graphite resin to begin subtractive drawings with kneaded erasers. This produces interesting results. The students continue to use images from their phones as reference, which is normally frowned upon, but some of the more daring ones have started to use mirrors. This is encouraging, considering that any student who continues with other art classes or goes to school for art will be laughed at and discredited for using a photo reference for a self portrait rather than a mirror.
3/12/14 Journal
3/12/14
Today we began the second portion of this self portrait project. Wertz wants the kids to dive into the world of college, so he is having them rip, tear, cut, glue, whatever they want to do, with different types of paper. Some of the kids who are more willing to try new things just jumped in, but most were apprehensive. Looking back to when I was an underclassmen, I was the same way. I was almost perfectionistic in the way that I worked, and I didn't want to do anything I wasn't comfortable with. But now I am used to being uncomfortable, so I am trying to have the kids realize that not much growth will come out of being comfortable all the time. So I hope to see them loosen up within the next few days.
Today we began the second portion of this self portrait project. Wertz wants the kids to dive into the world of college, so he is having them rip, tear, cut, glue, whatever they want to do, with different types of paper. Some of the kids who are more willing to try new things just jumped in, but most were apprehensive. Looking back to when I was an underclassmen, I was the same way. I was almost perfectionistic in the way that I worked, and I didn't want to do anything I wasn't comfortable with. But now I am used to being uncomfortable, so I am trying to have the kids realize that not much growth will come out of being comfortable all the time. So I hope to see them loosen up within the next few days.
3/13/14 Journal
3/13/14
The kids continued to collage over their drawn self portraits with construction paper and other types of papers. I realized today how far that I have come in the past 3+ years, and how much I have learned in the art wing. It is a little bit overwhelming for me sometimes to have all of the students kind of be in awe of me and act as if I know everything there is to know. I do know a lot, but it is probably 1% of what I could eventually know in the art field. At the same time as it feels good to have the students look up to me, it is also nerve-racking. I try to find a balance between being their peer and also trying to teach them at the same time. It is an interesting dynamic.
The kids continued to collage over their drawn self portraits with construction paper and other types of papers. I realized today how far that I have come in the past 3+ years, and how much I have learned in the art wing. It is a little bit overwhelming for me sometimes to have all of the students kind of be in awe of me and act as if I know everything there is to know. I do know a lot, but it is probably 1% of what I could eventually know in the art field. At the same time as it feels good to have the students look up to me, it is also nerve-racking. I try to find a balance between being their peer and also trying to teach them at the same time. It is an interesting dynamic.
3/14/14 Journal
3/14/14
Everyone was supposed to finish up with the collaging stage of their self portraits today. Looking back at the beginning drawings, it is cool to see how far they have come. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of collage, because it is really easy to make something look tacky, but some of the kids are doing a really good job of it. Others, of course, are making their work look like the inside of a teenage girl's locker, but we like to call that failing forward. It's difficult to have success in something if you haven't first failed at it.
Everyone was supposed to finish up with the collaging stage of their self portraits today. Looking back at the beginning drawings, it is cool to see how far they have come. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of collage, because it is really easy to make something look tacky, but some of the kids are doing a really good job of it. Others, of course, are making their work look like the inside of a teenage girl's locker, but we like to call that failing forward. It's difficult to have success in something if you haven't first failed at it.
3/17/14 Journal
3/17/14
The students began to put their self portrait works into the computer today. Though some of them had already posted their scans to their Bloggers, most of them had not. Apparently nearly all of the kids are taking pictures of their work with their phones and then sending them to their blogs, which we need to get them out of the habit of doing. A scan is a much better solution, and its resolution and quality is so much higher. So I essentially had to show each person how to use the scanner and upload their scans to their blogs and Wertz's thumb drive on the computer. Next they are going to begin using the Adobe Suites of Illustrator and Photoshop to enhance their self portrait collages.
The students began to put their self portrait works into the computer today. Though some of them had already posted their scans to their Bloggers, most of them had not. Apparently nearly all of the kids are taking pictures of their work with their phones and then sending them to their blogs, which we need to get them out of the habit of doing. A scan is a much better solution, and its resolution and quality is so much higher. So I essentially had to show each person how to use the scanner and upload their scans to their blogs and Wertz's thumb drive on the computer. Next they are going to begin using the Adobe Suites of Illustrator and Photoshop to enhance their self portrait collages.
3/18/14 Journal
Today I began matting a bunch of the work that has been completed by the students in the class I am interning with as well as the Foundations Class that Wertz has during another block. This is probably going to take up most of my week. Throughout today's class I was mostly matting and hanging work while Wertz taught and helped the kids. I ended up staying after class just to talk to Wertz about anything that came up. I really enjoy talking to him and I think part of the reason that I love interning for him is because I get another semester to be around him and pick his brain about different topics. Honestly, he's become a father figure for me in the past few years and the thought of not having him in class in a few months is a daunting one for me. So I am trying to be around him as much as possible and learn as much as I can from him in the short time that I have left, because he really is one of the most influential people that I have had as a teacher, and probably one of the most influential people in my life thus far.
3/19/14 Journal
3/19/14
More matting. Devon Abrams was in class today from Delaware, so she was helping me for the most part. She comes into class one or two times a week from Delaware - I'm not sure how that works, but I was glad that she was there today. Together we matted a ton of the work that needs to be done, and hung most of it in the art wing, but some of it in the other halls around the school as well. We decided that in comparison to the crazy decorated art hall, the rest of the school was pretty bare. I think that's a shame, personally, as you'd never see any of the student work if you didn't come to the upstairs 600 wing.
More matting. Devon Abrams was in class today from Delaware, so she was helping me for the most part. She comes into class one or two times a week from Delaware - I'm not sure how that works, but I was glad that she was there today. Together we matted a ton of the work that needs to be done, and hung most of it in the art wing, but some of it in the other halls around the school as well. We decided that in comparison to the crazy decorated art hall, the rest of the school was pretty bare. I think that's a shame, personally, as you'd never see any of the student work if you didn't come to the upstairs 600 wing.
3/20/14 Journal
3/20/14
More matting today. Instead of using the pre-cut mats that I had been using for the past few days, I had to cut my own mats to fit the work that had different dimensions than the rest. This was fine, considering I'm one of the only people in the school (apparently) who knows how to cut mats, but it was just time consuming. Nothing about mats is very exciting, and I would much rather be helping the kids, but it's part of the art teaching job I suppose. Mat cutting and hanging work in the halls consumed my class period today. I didn't even have Devon to help me.
More matting today. Instead of using the pre-cut mats that I had been using for the past few days, I had to cut my own mats to fit the work that had different dimensions than the rest. This was fine, considering I'm one of the only people in the school (apparently) who knows how to cut mats, but it was just time consuming. Nothing about mats is very exciting, and I would much rather be helping the kids, but it's part of the art teaching job I suppose. Mat cutting and hanging work in the halls consumed my class period today. I didn't even have Devon to help me.
3/21/14 Journal
3/21/14
Photoshop was again the focus of the class. I was in and out because similarly to last week, I was matting more of the students work. This gets monotonous, of course, but it is saving Mr. Wertz the hassle and it is also a proactive thing so that we don't have so much work to mat for the Art Show. While I wasn't matting work I was able to answer a few questions, help people use the scanner, things like that, but Wertz handled most of that today. I did finish the matting that I needed to, though. Finally.
Photoshop was again the focus of the class. I was in and out because similarly to last week, I was matting more of the students work. This gets monotonous, of course, but it is saving Mr. Wertz the hassle and it is also a proactive thing so that we don't have so much work to mat for the Art Show. While I wasn't matting work I was able to answer a few questions, help people use the scanner, things like that, but Wertz handled most of that today. I did finish the matting that I needed to, though. Finally.
3/24/14 Journal
3/24/14
Everyone continued to enhance their work via Photoshop today. I was around to help with any questions they had, as I normally am. I've noticed that there are some kids who wouldn't ask for help even if they needed it. I suppose I used to be that way, I wanted to try and figure things out for myself without asking anyone for help. But I have learned that a simple question can cause a lot of stress to go away and it can also make things a lot easier. So I have been trying to make sure that I ask certain people how they are doing and whether they need help so that if they do have the courage to ask that day it was after me asking them. I doubt that any of the kids that I am speaking about would approach me with a question, let alone Mr. Wertz, so hopefully the fact that I am a peer will make it easier on them.
Everyone continued to enhance their work via Photoshop today. I was around to help with any questions they had, as I normally am. I've noticed that there are some kids who wouldn't ask for help even if they needed it. I suppose I used to be that way, I wanted to try and figure things out for myself without asking anyone for help. But I have learned that a simple question can cause a lot of stress to go away and it can also make things a lot easier. So I have been trying to make sure that I ask certain people how they are doing and whether they need help so that if they do have the courage to ask that day it was after me asking them. I doubt that any of the kids that I am speaking about would approach me with a question, let alone Mr. Wertz, so hopefully the fact that I am a peer will make it easier on them.
3/25/14 Journal
3/25/14
Today was hopefully the last day of the kids using Photoshop to alter their work. It seems as though a lot of them are losing focus and aren't able to grasp the basics of the program. Granted, it is a little bit above their heads, and they have never had any formal Adobe training, but the techniques that they are using aren't necessarily that difficult. It is tough for me not to just do it for them when one of them has a question, so I have been trying to get myself to offer help to the students but at the same time make sure that they know how to accomplish what I already know how to accomplish. It is hard to discipline myself to do that, because a lot of high schoolers are just used to going to someone who knows how to get something done and having them do it for them. But with teaching, I really need to make sure that they can do it on their own without my assistance.
Today was hopefully the last day of the kids using Photoshop to alter their work. It seems as though a lot of them are losing focus and aren't able to grasp the basics of the program. Granted, it is a little bit above their heads, and they have never had any formal Adobe training, but the techniques that they are using aren't necessarily that difficult. It is tough for me not to just do it for them when one of them has a question, so I have been trying to get myself to offer help to the students but at the same time make sure that they know how to accomplish what I already know how to accomplish. It is hard to discipline myself to do that, because a lot of high schoolers are just used to going to someone who knows how to get something done and having them do it for them. But with teaching, I really need to make sure that they can do it on their own without my assistance.
3/26/14 Journal
3/26/14
Not much was accomplished today. While Wertz had planned for there to be a demonstration of the next project, his computer was stuck updating for almost the entire class period. He was excited to show the kids the new project and begin a demo on it, but that didn't end up happening. Instead, while the kids were waiting for his computer to update, some of them were able to continue putting the final touches on their self portraits. Overall it was a lost day, but Wertz reminded me that things don't always go how you expected them to, and you have to be ready for bumps in the road and changes of plans.
Not much was accomplished today. While Wertz had planned for there to be a demonstration of the next project, his computer was stuck updating for almost the entire class period. He was excited to show the kids the new project and begin a demo on it, but that didn't end up happening. Instead, while the kids were waiting for his computer to update, some of them were able to continue putting the final touches on their self portraits. Overall it was a lost day, but Wertz reminded me that things don't always go how you expected them to, and you have to be ready for bumps in the road and changes of plans.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
3/27/14 Journal
3/27/14
I began three more sketches with India ink of various shoes that I had at home. I kept in mind composition, shading, proportion, etc. and started to use a later of gesso that serves as my under painting for the chalk pastels that I then got into. This should be helpful for the students to see my process as they go about theirs. I have also been helpful with the kids as usual in assisting them with anything they need as far as supplies, advice, critique, etc. It is a lot easier to help a large group of kids like the one we have in this class when there are two sets of eyes. I am enjoying talking to the kids and helping them with their work.
I began three more sketches with India ink of various shoes that I had at home. I kept in mind composition, shading, proportion, etc. and started to use a later of gesso that serves as my under painting for the chalk pastels that I then got into. This should be helpful for the students to see my process as they go about theirs. I have also been helpful with the kids as usual in assisting them with anything they need as far as supplies, advice, critique, etc. It is a lot easier to help a large group of kids like the one we have in this class when there are two sets of eyes. I am enjoying talking to the kids and helping them with their work.
3/28/14 Journal
3/28/14
It was the second day of ink drawing for the kids today. I saw a lot of improvement in the technique and the progress of the work that they are doing. Some are using multiple pieces of paper, some are sketching out multiple views and angles of their footwear, and some are focusing on one shoe and making it look as detailed as they can get it. It should be interesting to see how this project progresses. I continued to demo this one alongside of the kids, incorporating multiple shoes into my work. I think it will be helpful for them to see how an experienced peer attacks the issue rather than just a teacher. It is also keeping my skills sharp for art school in the fall. I don't want to become rusty.
It was the second day of ink drawing for the kids today. I saw a lot of improvement in the technique and the progress of the work that they are doing. Some are using multiple pieces of paper, some are sketching out multiple views and angles of their footwear, and some are focusing on one shoe and making it look as detailed as they can get it. It should be interesting to see how this project progresses. I continued to demo this one alongside of the kids, incorporating multiple shoes into my work. I think it will be helpful for them to see how an experienced peer attacks the issue rather than just a teacher. It is also keeping my skills sharp for art school in the fall. I don't want to become rusty.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
3/29/14 Journal
3/29/14
Today everyone continued to use ink as a means of sketching their shoes. It is interesting for me to see how many different "solutions," Wertz calls them, the kids can come up with for the problem. It's cool to see all of the different techniques and ways that the students go about it. Today continued to add chalk pastel to my work to show how flexible the project can be. Who knows where it will go from here.
Today everyone continued to use ink as a means of sketching their shoes. It is interesting for me to see how many different "solutions," Wertz calls them, the kids can come up with for the problem. It's cool to see all of the different techniques and ways that the students go about it. Today continued to add chalk pastel to my work to show how flexible the project can be. Who knows where it will go from here.
3/31/14 Journal
3/31/14
Today we began to collage different types of paper in to the footwear studies. I think there were. Inked feelings about this. Most of the kids don't like it. I was able to help a few of them select colors and patterns to use that compliment the schemes of their under drawings. Some will look better with warm colors or cool colors, some with complimentary or analogous colors. The point of the collage effect is to empower the work.
Today we began to collage different types of paper in to the footwear studies. I think there were. Inked feelings about this. Most of the kids don't like it. I was able to help a few of them select colors and patterns to use that compliment the schemes of their under drawings. Some will look better with warm colors or cool colors, some with complimentary or analogous colors. The point of the collage effect is to empower the work.
4/1/14 Journal
4/1/14
The students continued to collage magazines, newspaper and other colored paper into their works. Though it seems rather childish if done incorrectly, collage work can actually be very interesting and effective. A lot of students are continuing to struggle with this part, and some of them have begun to complain that they, "just want to draw and paint," to which we are trying to explain that collage is an effective technique used in drawings and paintings as well. With a first level class like this, it is important to cover many different styles and techniques. The kids just have a hard time being uncomfortable with their work, which I can remember.
The students continued to collage magazines, newspaper and other colored paper into their works. Though it seems rather childish if done incorrectly, collage work can actually be very interesting and effective. A lot of students are continuing to struggle with this part, and some of them have begun to complain that they, "just want to draw and paint," to which we are trying to explain that collage is an effective technique used in drawings and paintings as well. With a first level class like this, it is important to cover many different styles and techniques. The kids just have a hard time being uncomfortable with their work, which I can remember.
4/2/14 Journal
4/2/14
Today the kids continued to work on their footwear projects. Some of them began to scan their work into the computer to post it to their blogs, some altered their work with Photoshop and illustrator. As usual, I was able to help the ones who needed it with blogging, scanning, pen drives, etc. The project is going to advance into an extraction or two or three of the original piece. I think it will be good for the students and myself to think more abstractly and change up the mindset a bit. It should also be interesting to see how many different avenues they can take this project down. I am going to continue to do the project alongside the kids so that they can have a grasp of where the project can go.
Today the kids continued to work on their footwear projects. Some of them began to scan their work into the computer to post it to their blogs, some altered their work with Photoshop and illustrator. As usual, I was able to help the ones who needed it with blogging, scanning, pen drives, etc. The project is going to advance into an extraction or two or three of the original piece. I think it will be good for the students and myself to think more abstractly and change up the mindset a bit. It should also be interesting to see how many different avenues they can take this project down. I am going to continue to do the project alongside the kids so that they can have a grasp of where the project can go.
4/3/14 Journal
4//3/14
Today our class had the SRIs, so the majority of class was taken up with everyone on computers taking a reading test. This was disheartening because I heard multiple kids sigh and say something about how they were looking forward to class today. In some ways, I was glad that they were saying that, because at times it has been hard to motivate this group, but it was upsetting to hold them back. A few kids got to work towards the end of the period, but not much was accomplished. Hopefully tomorrow will be more productive.
Today our class had the SRIs, so the majority of class was taken up with everyone on computers taking a reading test. This was disheartening because I heard multiple kids sigh and say something about how they were looking forward to class today. In some ways, I was glad that they were saying that, because at times it has been hard to motivate this group, but it was upsetting to hold them back. A few kids got to work towards the end of the period, but not much was accomplished. Hopefully tomorrow will be more productive.
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